Best fictional political leaders

Best fictional political leaders

In anticipation of the Oscars on Sunday night and Lincoln’s 12 nominations, we have compiled some of our favourite fictional political leaders in film and television.
And before you start, yes, we know Lincoln was a real person.

Actor: Donald SutherlandCharacter/Movie: President Snow in The Hunger GamesWhy we like him: The ruler of the Capitol and of Panem, makes him the ultimate all-powerful bad guy of the series turned blockbuster movie.

Actor: Dennis HaysbertCharacter/TV Show: President David Palmer in 24Why we like him: He maintains his charisma and principles, despite being the target of an assassination attempt and various terrorist threats against his country.

Actor: Michael DouglasCharacter/Movie: President Andrew Shepherd in The American PresidentWhy we like him: When his popularity seems to be wavering, he addresses the controversial issues head-on and does so while maintaining his strength of character.

COURTOISIE

Actor: Alan AldaCharacter/Movie: President of the United States in Canadian BaconWhy we like him: He is willing to do anything to boost his popularity, including start a war with the nice and friendly neighbours to the North.

Actor: Hugh GrantCharacter/Movie: The Prime Minister in Love ActuallyWhy we like him: While it’s hard to believe that he would rule with an iron fist, we can’t deny that he has some pretty great dance moves and in the end he does get the girl.

Actor: Jack NicholsonCharacter/Movie: President James Dale in Mars Attacks! Why we like him: We applaud his diplomatic approach to the Martian invasion, but his ‘Why can’t we just get along’ plan doesn’t get him very far.

Actor: Bill Pullman Character/Movie: President Thomas J. Whitmore in Independence DayWhy we like him: When faced with aliens trying to annihilate the human race, he is able to inspire his citizens to put aside their differences and unite to fight for their freedom.

Actor: Martin SheenCharacter/TV Show: President Josiah Bartlet in The West WingWhy we like him: He gave us a glimpse of the man behind the podium and, despite being shot and battling multiple sclerosis, he still manages to look to the future with hope.

Actor: Morgan FreemanCharacter/Movie: President Tom Beck in Deep ImpactWhy we like him: He manages to keep his cool and take control of the situation when faced with a meteor-sized problem.

Actor: Harrison FordCharacter/Movie: President James Marshall in Air Force OneWhy we like him: He is forced to take matters into his own hands to save his wife and daughter when terrorists show up uninvited on his plane and take the passengers hostage.